March 13, 2025, marks seven years since my strokes. Seven years since my life changed in ways I never could have imagined. Seven years of challenges, setbacks, healing, and growth. It’s a milestone that brings up a lot of emotions, but more than anything, it reminds me how much I have to be grateful for.

Surviving a stroke and a brain injury is a wild ride. There are highs, lows, and plenty of moments where I wonder how I got here. But despite everything—the frustrations, the uncertainty, the hard days—I keep coming back to one thing: gratitude.

It’s not always easy. Some days, gratitude comes naturally. Other days, I have to dig deep to find it. But the fact that I can still find it at all? That’s something to be thankful for.

The Big Stuff

First off, I’m just grateful to be alive. When I had my pulmonary embolism, I was living alone. If I hadn’t been walking to work at that exact moment, I would have died alone in my apartment. But I wasn’t. Someone saw me faint on the sidewalk and called for an ambulance. That moment—that tiny decision to stop and help—saved my life.

And I’m still me. After everything, I still have my memories. I can still communicate. I still have my same personality, the same sense of humor (which, let’s be honest, is a little darker now, but hey, I’ve earned it). There was a time when doctors weren’t sure what would happen to me, but here I am, still cracking jokes and rolling my eyes at corny ones.

The People Who Showed Up

I don’t know where I would be without my parents. They dropped everything to take care of me. Every hospital stay, every appointment, every therapy session—they were there. My fiancé stuck with me through it all, even when things got messy and uncertain. He’s been my rock, my support, my person.

I am deeply grateful for everyone who showed up in the early days, during my darkest times, offering love and support, especially my brother, who stopped working to be by my side throughout my hospital stay and rehab with a unwavering support, as well as my sister-in-law who used her medical background to make sure I was never uncomfortable or in pain.. My future in-laws who have been so supportive since day one, not just of me, but my whole family. My older sister-in-law who drove four hours multiple times just to see me for a day and would also come stay with me and drive 2 1/2 hours to work so my mom could take a break. 

Then there are my friends—both the ones who stayed and the ones who didn’t. The ones who stuck around? They remind me what true friendship looks like. The ones who disappeared? Well, they taught me some valuable lessons about relationships. Either way, I’m grateful.

And I’m still meeting new people, still making connections. Life didn’t stop just because I had a stroke.

The Moments I Almost Missed

This is where it really hits me. I got to see my little brother get married. I got to meet his kids. I’ve celebrated birthdays, holidays, anniversaries—all moments that could have been taken from me. That’s not lost on me. Every time I get to be present for something like that, I take a second to appreciate it.

The Small Stuff That Matters More Now

I never thought I’d be so grateful for things like talk-to-text or Siri, but here we are. Technology makes my life so much easier.

I’m grateful for deep breaths—the kind I never thought twice about before. For a funny movie that makes me laugh even when I don’t feel like it. For a good podcast that distracts me on hard days. For the warmth of the sun on my skin, the smell of coffee in the morning, and the simple joy of just being here.

Sharing My Story

One of the biggest things I’m grateful for? The chance to share my story. If what I’ve been through can help someone else—whether they’re a stroke survivor or just going through a tough time—then everything I’ve been through has even more meaning.

The Bottom Line

Look, not every day is great. Some days are downright awful. But even on those days, I try to find something to be grateful for. Sometimes it’s something big—like my family, my health, or the milestones I’ve reached. Other times, it’s something small—like a deep breath or a quiet moment with a good book.

But the point is, I find it. I hold onto it. And I keep moving forward. Because at the end of the day, gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff—it’s about recognizing that there’s still so much good to hold onto.

And for that, I’m grateful.